Ponytail Holder

ABSTRACT

A holder for a person&#39;s ponytail includes a frustoconical shell comprised of a first and second parts each mutually connected at a hinged edge and positionable between open and closed positions. Clasping edges of each part are mutually, selectively fastenable with at least one mechanical clasp to secure the shell in the closed position. Each part has a top edge and a bottom edge that together form a top opening and a bottom opening for receiving the ponytail therethrough. A frustoconical, decorative cover is fixable with the shell when the shell is in the closed position, the ponytail being threaded therethrough. The shell and the cover each include one part of a two-part mechanical fastening mechanism for selectively fixing the cover to the shell when the shell is in the closed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 61/976,783, filed on Apr. 8, 2014, and incorporated hereinby reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to hair accessories, and more particularly to aponytail holder with an interchangeable outer cover.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Ponytail holders are known in the art for keeping a person's ponytailintact and in place on her head. Such holders take the form of atwo-part circular, cylindrical, or conical shape through which theponytail is inserted and held in place thereby. Some prior art holdershave interlacing teeth, such as U.S. Pat. No. 2,445,071 to Kovacs et al.on Feb. 7, 1947; U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,867 to Williams on Aug. 17, 1999;U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,289 to King on Jun. 21, 2011; and U.S. Pat. No.6,311,699 to Horman on Nov. 6, 2001. Such prior art devices may hold aponytail intact for a while, but throughout the day and with movement ofthe person's head the ponytail frequently dislodges from a single row ofteeth or spikes.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,240 to Chang on Jul. 18, 2000 teaches a hair gripdevice having two rows of elastic plates that serve to compress theponytail therebetween. Such a device includes an outer flange that isused to open the device to insert the ponytail, yet the flange is amechanical contraption that interrupts the outward appearance of theproduct. Further, with such a device there is no provision for changingthe appearance, color, pattern, or other decorative features, whichwomen and girls often desire in order to match a particular outfit, moodor hairstyle. Moreover, once the elastic plates of such a product becomeworn and ineffective, there is no provision for replacing them withoutreplacing the entire device. So-called “hair cones” and “hair cuffs”sold over the Internet have similar disadvantages.

Therefore, there is a need for a device will securely hold a ponytaileven with continual movement of the person over the course of a day.Such a needed invention would provide means for quickly changing theoutward appearance of the device, and would provide for changing elasticbands that help hold the ponytail in place as they become worn. Such aneeded device would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and easyto use. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present device is a holder for a person's ponytail. A frustoconicalshell has first and second parts each mutually connected at a hingededge with a hinge and positionable between open and closed positions.Each part has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a clasping edgeopposite the hinged edge. The clasp edges of each part are mutually,selectively fastenable with at least one mechanical clasp, or the like,to secure the shell in the closed position. Each part has a top edge anda bottom edge that together form a top opening and a bottom opening forreceiving the ponytail therethrough.

A frustoconical cover is fixable with the shell when the shell is in theclosed position. The cover includes an outer surface, an inner surfacethat is adapted to abut the outer surface of each part of the shell, atop opening, and a bottom opening. The cover preferably includes adistinct color, pattern, or image, and the ponytail holder includes aplurality of the covers in a set that can be interchanged with the shellas desired by the person.

Preferably each part of the shell further includes a plurality oftapered spikes projecting away therefrom. The spikes of both parts ofthe shell are substantially mutually parallel when the shell is in theclosed position. Such spikes may be arranged in at least one horizontalrow of spikes, but preferably two or three rows.

Preferably the shell and the cover each include one part of a two-partmechanical fastening mechanism for selectively fixing the cover to theshell when the shell is in the closed position. Such a fasteningmechanism may include at least one inward projection proximate thebottom opening of the cover and at least one recess in the outer surfaceof each part of the shell proximate the bottom opening of the shell. Theat least one projection is adapted for a snap fit with the recess toselectively secure the cover to the shell by friction. In oneembodiment, the at least one recess is a plurality of recesses, such as4, 8, 12 or 16, and the at least one inward projection is a plurality ofinward projections. Alternately, the at least one recess is a continuousgroove formed about the outer surface of each part of the shellproximate the bottom opening thereof.

In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes at least one magnetfixed with the inner surface of the cover and another magnet fixed withthe outer surface of the shell. Alternately, the fastening mechanismincludes a hook-and-loop type fastening material or a low-tact adhesiveapplied to either the inner surface of the cover and/or the outersurface of the shell.

Preferably each part of the shell includes at least one loop proximatethe hinged edge and at least one hook proximate the clasping edge. Assuch, an elastic band, such as a rubber band, may be engaged with thehooks and loops to create an elastic ponytail grip to compress theponytail when the shell is secured around the ponytail in the closedposition.

The present invention is a device that securely holds a ponytail evenwith continual movement of the person over the course of a day. Thepresent device provides for quickly changing the outward appearance ofthe device, provides a seamless outward appearance, and provides forchanging internal elastic bands that help hold the ponytail in place asthey become worn. The present device is relatively inexpensive tomanufacture and easy to use. Other features and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following more detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, whichillustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a person placing a shell of thepresent invention about her ponytail;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof, the person further placing acover over the shell;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view thereof, the shell and cover in placeabout the person's ponytail;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged perspective view of inner surfaces of two partsof the shell, the shell in an open position;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the shell in a slightly open position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shell in a closed position and acover wrap of the invention nearly fixed with the shell;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one part of the shell, taken alongline 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the shell in the closed position;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the shell and cover of the invention, theshell in the closed position; and

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the cover as fixed with theshell, the shell in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. Thefollowing explanation provides specific details for a thoroughunderstanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. Oneskilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practicedwithout such details. In other instances, well-known structures andfunctions have not been shown or described in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural or singular number respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Whenthe claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or moreitems, that word covers all of the following interpretations of theword: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and anycombination of the items in the list. When the word “each” is used torefer to an element that was previously introduced as being at least onein number, the word “each” does not necessarily imply a plurality of theelements, but can also mean a singular element.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a holder 10 for a ponytail 15 of a person 14. Afrustoconical shell 20 has first and second parts 30,40 each mutuallyconnected at a hinged edge 34,44 with a hinge 190, and positionablebetween open and closed positions 50,60. Each part 30,40 has an innersurface 31,41 an outer surface 39,49, and a clasping edge 36,46 oppositethe hinged edge 34,44. The clasp edge 36,46 of each part 30,40 aremutually, selectively fastenable with at least one mechanical clasp 200,or the like, to secure the shell 20 in the closed position 60. Each part30,40 has a top edge 38,48 and a bottom edge 32,42 that together form atop opening 70 and a bottom opening 80 (FIGS. 6 and 7). The shell 20 ispreferably made from a suitable injection molded plastic that issemi-rigid such that the clasp 200 may be opened and closed and suchthat the shell 20 securely holds the ponytail 15 without becoming easilydislodged thereby until the shell 20 is opened. The shell 20 may includea distinct color, pattern, or image (not shown) on the outer surface39,49 thereof.

The hinge 190 is preferably a living hinge 190, such that each part30,40 of the shell 20 may be integrally injection molded. Alternatelythe hinge 190 is a traditional two-part hinge (not shown), such that thetwo parts 30,40 are separately molded and then pivotally affixedtogether at the hinge 190. Each part 30,40 is substantially a mirrorimage of the other, except for the one or more clasps 200.

A frustoconical cover 90 is fixable with the shell 20 when the shell 20is in the closed position 60. The cover 90 includes an outer surface 99,an inner surface 91 that is adapted to abut the outer surface 39,49 ofeach part 30,40 of the shell 20, a top opening 98, and a bottom opening92 (FIG. 10). The cover 90 may be split down one side thereof to form awrap 93 that is secured around the shell 20 (FIG. 5). Alternately, thecover 90 may receive the wrap 93, the wrap 93 being an adhesive label orpaper having a distinct pattern (not shown), color or image appliedthereto. Typically the cover 90 includes a distinct color, pattern, orimage (not shown), and preferably the ponytail holder 10 includes aplurality of the covers 90 that can be interchanged with the shell 20 asdesired by the person 14. The one or more covers 90 are preferably madefor a suitable plastic or paper material.

Preferably each part 30,40 of the shell 20 further includes a pluralityof tapered spikes 100 projecting away therefrom. The spikes 100 of bothparts 30,40 of the shell 20 are substantially mutually parallel andinterlaced when the shell 20 is in the closed position 60. Alternately,such spikes 100 are not mutually parallel when the shell 20 is closed(not shown), wherein the spikes 100 bind the ponytail 15. Such spikes100 may be arranged in at least one horizontal row 110 of spikes 100,but preferably two or three rows 110 (FIG. 7), at least one row 110being an upper horizontal row 120 and another row 110 being a lowerhorizontal row 130.

Preferably the shell 20 and the cover 90 each include one part of atwo-part mechanical fastening mechanism 140 for selectively fixing thecover 90 to the shell 20 when the shell 20 is in the closed position 60.Such a fastening mechanism 140 may include at least one inwardprojection 143 proximate the bottom opening 92 of the cover 90 and atleast one recess 144 (FIGS. 8-11) in the outer surface 39,49 of eachpart 30,40 of the shell 20 proximate the bottom opening 80 of the shell20. The at least one projection 143 is adapted for a snap fit with therecess 144 to secure the cover 90 to the shell 20. In one embodiment,the at least one recess 144 is a plurality of recesses 144, and the atleast one inward projection 143 is a plurality of inward projections143. Alternately, the at least one recess is a continuous groove 145(FIGS. 10 and 11) formed about the outer surface 39,49 of each part30,40 of the shell 20 proximate the bottom opening 80 thereof.

In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism 140 includes at least onemagnet 146 fixed with the inner surface 91 of the cover 90 and anothermagnet 146 fixed with the outer surface 39,49 of the shell 20.Alternately, the fastening mechanism includes a hook-and-loop typefastening material 147 (FIG. 5), or a low-tact adhesive 148 (FIG. 5)applied to either the inner surface 91 of the cover 90 and/or the outersurface 39,49 of the shell 20.

Preferably each part 30,40 of the shell 20 includes at least one loop150 proximate the hinged edge 34,44 and at least one hook 160 proximatethe clasping edge 36,46. As such, an elastic band 170, such as a rubberband, may be engaged with the hooks 150 and loops 160 to create anelastic ponytail grip 180 to compress the ponytail 15 when the shell 20is secured around the ponytail 15 in the closed position 60.

In use, the person 14 positions her ponytail 15 into the shell 20 whenthe shell 20 is in the open position 50 (FIG. 1), and then squeezes theshell 20 so that the at least one clasp 200 secure the shell 20 in theclosed position 60 with the ponytail entering the shell 20 at the bottomopening 80 and exiting the top opening 70. One of the covers 90 isselected and the ponytail 15 is threaded through the top and bottomopenings 98,92 thereof until the cover 90 is positioned over the shell20 (FIG. 2). The cover 90 is then secured to the shell 20 with thefastening mechanism 140 (FIG. 3).

While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will be apparent that various modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the shell 20 and cover 90 are shown tapered, but may in fact beinstead substantially cylindrical (not shown). Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the appendedclaims.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but alsoall equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseform disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned inthis disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachingsof the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, notnecessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of thevarious embodiments described above can be combined to provide furtherembodiments.

All of the above patents and applications and other references,including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, areincorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and conceptsof the various references described above to provide yet furtherembodiments of the invention.

Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “DetailedDescription.” While the above description details certain embodiments ofthe invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter howdetailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced inmany ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably whilestill being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which thatterminology is associated.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventorreserves the right to add additional claims after filing the applicationto pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ponytail holder, comprising: a frustoconicalshell having first and second parts each mutually connected at a hingededge and positionable between open and closed positions, each parthaving an inner surface, and outer surface, and a clasping edge oppositethe hinged edge, the clasping edge of each part mutually, selectivelyfastenable to secure the shell in the closed position, each part havinga top edge and a bottom edge that together form a top opening and abottom opening, respectively, when the shell is in the closed position;a frustoconical cover fixable with the shell when the shell is in theclosed position, the cover including an outer surface, an inner surfaceadapted to abut the outer surface of each part of the shell, a topopening and a bottom opening.
 2. The ponytail holder of claim 1 whereineach part of the shell further includes a plurality of spikes projectingaway therefrom, the spikes of both parts of the shell beingsubstantially mutually parallel when the shell is in the closedposition.
 3. The ponytail holder of claim 2 wherein the plurality ofspikes are aligned in at least one horizontal row of spikes.
 4. Theponytail holder of claim 3 wherein the plurality of spikes are alignedin at least two horizontal rows of spikes.
 5. The ponytail holder ofclaim 4 wherein the plurality of spikes are aligned in an upperhorizontal row and a lower horizontal row.
 6. The ponytail holder ofclaim 4 wherein the plurality of spikes are aligned in two upperhorizontal rows and a lower horizontal row.
 7. The ponytail holder ofclaim 1 wherein the shell and the cover each include one part of atwo-part mechanical fastening mechanism for selectively fixing the coverto the shell when the shell is in the closed position.
 8. The ponytailholder of claim 7 wherein the fastening mechanism includes at least oneinward projection proximate the bottom opening of the cover and at leastone recess in the outer surface of each part of the shell proximate thebottom opening of the shell, the projection adapted for a snap fit withthe recess to secure the cover to the shell.
 9. The ponytail holder ofclaim 8 wherein the at least one recess is a plurality of recesses, andwherein the at least one inward projection is a plurality of inwardprojections.
 10. The ponytail holder of claim 8 wherein the at least onerecess is a groove formed about the outer surface of each part of theshell proximate the bottom opening thereof.
 11. The ponytail holder ofclaim 7 wherein the fastening mechanism includes at least one magnetfixed with the inner surface of the cover and at least one magnet fixedwith the outer surface of the shell.
 12. The ponytail holder of claim 7wherein the fastening mechanism includes a hook and loop type fasteningmaterial.
 13. The ponytail holder of claim 7 wherein the fasteningmechanism includes a low-tact adhesive applied to either the innersurface of the cover, the outer surface of each part of the shell, orboth the inner surface of the cover and the outer surface of each partof the shell.
 14. The ponytail holder of claim 1 wherein each part ofthe shell includes at least one loop proximate the hinged edge thereof,and wherein each part of the shell includes at least one hook proximatethe clasping edge thereof, whereby an elastic band may be engaged withthe hooks and loops to create an elastic ponytail grip to compress theponytail when the shell is secured around the ponytail in the closedposition.
 15. A ponytail holder, comprising: a frustoconical shellhaving first and second parts each mutually connected at a hinged edgeand positionable between open and closed positions, each part having aninner surface, and outer surface, and a clasping edge opposite thehinged edge, the clasping edge of each part mutually, selectivelyfastenable to secure the shell in the closed position, each part havinga top edge and a bottom edge that together form a top opening and abottom opening, respectively, when the shell is in the closed position;a plurality of frustoconical covers each fixable with the shell when theshell is in the closed position, each cover including an outer surface,an inner surface adapted to abut the outer surface of each part of theshell, a top opening and a bottom opening, the outer surface of eachcover being mutually visually distinct.
 16. The ponytail holder of claim15 wherein each part of the shell further includes a plurality of spikeprojecting away therefrom, the spikes of both parts of the shell beingsubstantially mutually parallel when the shell is in the closedposition.
 17. The ponytail holder of claim 15 wherein the shell and eachcover include one part of a two-part mechanical fastening mechanism forselectively fixing the cover to the shell when the shell is in theclosed position.
 18. The ponytail holder of claim 15 wherein each partof the shell includes at least one loop proximate the hinged edgethereof, and wherein each part of the shell includes at least one hookproximate the clasping edge thereof, whereby an elastic band may beengaged with the hooks and loops to create an elastic ponytail grip tocompress the ponytail when the shell is secured around the ponytail inthe closed position.